The Best Gifts For 2-Year-Olds, Starting at $9

CoComelon Transforming School Time Bus ($9, originally $30)

With over 185 million subscribers on YouTube, CoComelon is beloved by toddlers everywhere. This toy includes a few of the show's fan-favorite song clips like "Wheels on the Bus," "First Day of School," and the "ABC Song." It's a screen-free way to enjoy their transfixing melodies. The side of the bus can even be flipped down to make it easier to play with the figures in the bus.

• Pros: The transformative shape make it especially interactive.
• Cons: One reviewer notes that they wish there were more figurines or that there was an option to buy more.
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 14.25 x 6 x 11.75 inches
• Colorways: 1
• Extras: Includes figurines.
• Who it's best for: CoComelon-obsessed toddlers.

What Reviewers Say:
"My kids love it! It's more than just a simple bus—it's interactive and so much fun."

Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle ($17, originally $18)

A toddler can never have too many emotional support water bottles. These bottles from Thermos are leak-proof and are available in many character and color designs.

• Pros: Easy use for toddlers, durable, and effective at keeping water cold.
• Cons: It's hard to drink the last bit of liquid as the straw doesn't reach.
• Material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: Holds 12 fluid ounces; 2.7 W x 6.9 H inches
• Colorways: 39
• Extras: It's dishwasher-friendly.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who only need a small water bottle.

What Reviewers Say:
"We have many of these thermos bottles bc they are the best! Soft straw, my toddler can open, parts are easy to wash and assemble. This design is super cute."

Ms. Rachel Official Speak and Sing Doll ($24, originally $30)

My son, like many kids born in the last few years, has grown up watching Ms. Rachel's YouTube videos. This doll has more than 16 signature phrases and four songs to keep children engaged. It also includes a learning card with play ideas and skill-building tips. I caution parents and caregivers that these songs will get stuck in their head.

• Pros: It doubles as a cuddle-worthy plush and an interactive toy.
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the price is a little high.
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 9 L x 9.75 W x 10.5 H inches
• Colorways: 1
• Extras: It includes more than 16 signature phrases and four songs.
• Who it's best for: Ms. Rachel-obsessed toddlers.

What Reviewers Say:
"This thing is a huge hit with my toddler! One hand has sayings from her show. The other hand has more popular song snippets from the show. She loves the hop little bunny and icky sticky bubble gum songs best. She's hard on toys. But this is holding up nicely. She got it a bit dirty and I was able to use a baby wipe to clean it. It's very cute. And she lights right up when she sees it. She even hug and kisses it! It was a little difficult at first to teach her how to properly push buttons in the hands. But after 3 days she's an old pro. She will keep pushing them until she gets to what she wants to hear! It functions beautifully. It's about as soft as you might expect for this style toy."

Snapper Rock Kids' Stripe Cotton Safari Hat ($32)

Keep the sun off of their face and neck with this adorable broad-brim beach hat. It features an adjustable chin strap that can be worn on windy days or if your little one tends to lose hats while playing.

• Pros: Adjustable, non-synthetic material, and lightweight.
• Cons: Only comes in a single striped pattern.
• Material: 100 percent cotton
• Colorways: 1
• Extras: It's machine washable.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who need a sunhat for outdoor playtime and windy days.

What Reviewers Say:
"Perfect amount of sun protection for all day play and the drawstring makes sure it stays in place! Easy to clean after a beach day and colors match with everything. Definitely worth the investment for your kids!"

Pacific Play Tents Peek-a-Boo I See You 6-Foot Tunnel ($36)

For 2-year-olds who love to create crawling obstacle courses and forts, this six-foot tunnel will provide hours of fun. The best part? It collapses and can easily tuck into the smallest storage space.

• Pros: Collapsible and breathable.
• Cons: If using outdoors, it might not be best for windy days.
• Material: Polyester and steel
• Dimensions: 72 L x 19 W x 19 inches H
• Colorways: 1
• Extras: It includes a carry bag for easy transportation.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who love playing with forts and other structures.

Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Hot Wheels Spiral Stunt Speedway Race Track Playset ($40)

You can't go wrong with Hot Wheels. This set includes Hot Wheels-inspired wheelies and a load-and-launch spiral track.

• Pros: Versatile and sturdy.
• Cons: Hard to take apart if planning to store.
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 17.56 x 25.35 x 27.4 inches
• Colorways: 1
• Extras: It includes four unique tracks.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who love cars and have enough play space to keep it out.

What Reviewers Say:
"My two year old son loves this! You can use just about any car on it, not just the ones that come with it."

Tea Collection Rash Guard Baby Swimsuit ($45)

Our contributing shopping editor has dressed her two boys in Tea Collection for years, but especially loves their swim category. Between the vibrant patterns, high quality materials that don't fade or pill, and the UPF 50+, she swears they're worth every penny. This Macaws-print rash guard couldn't be cuter.

• Pros: Easy all-in-one swimsuit, built-in UPF 50+ protection and an interior guard for the zipper.
• Cons: The one-piece style can make diaper changes trickier than a two-piece.
• Material: 87 percent polyester 13 percent spandex
• Colorways: 2
• Extras: It includes a zipper garage to prevent pinching.
• Who it's best for: Stylish toddlers who take their sun protection seriously.

Béis The Kids Backpack ($68)

PS editors rave about Béis backpacks. This child-size version earns five stars from me and my son. It's lightweight, vibrant, and holds a ton of stuff. The detachable belt bag can hold snacks and a few small toys, and it gives the little one the independence to pack and bring their own bag on adventures.

• Pros: Compact and versatile with stylish colors schemes.
• Cons: It's pricier than most toddler backpacks.
• Material: Cotton canvas body and polyester lining.
• Dimensions: 10.75 H x 14.75 L x 4 D inches
• Colorways: 3
• Extras: It includes a bonus fanny pack.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who are learning to carry and care for their own things.

What Reviewers Say:
"The cutest little backpack. I bought this for my 2 year old for her to grow into. Its perfect for her snacks and diapers."

Micro Mini Glow Plus LED Scooter ($120)

Get ready for a glowing good time with this motion-activated light-up scooter. Children can work on their balance and coordination as they scoot around. The adjustable handlebars grow with children from age 2 up to age 5, so it could also be used by older friends or siblings.

• Pros: Adjustable with great safety features.
• Cons: It has a lean-to-steer structure, which may take some getting used to.
• Material: Aluminum and polyurethane.
• Dimensions: 21.65 L x 5.59 W x 10.43 H
• Colorways: 7
• Extras: Includes light-up wheels for evenings and overcast days.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who want speed but aren't quite ready for a bike.

What Reviewers Say:
"As a mom with three kids three and under, we LOVE to play outside to get the energy out. I purchased two of [these scooters] for our two older boys, and they LOVE them. The handle bar can be tightened at a position low enough for our younger son (he started using this before age 2), and goes high enough for a much older child (I'd guess 8+)...

The light up wheels didn't seem like a necessity, but in the winter months when the sun sets earlier and you want to prolong the outdoor play time, it is a great feature for safety!!"

Gathre Packable Ball Pit ($140)

This packable ball pit is a sensory dream for toddlers. They can wade through a sea of balls, bury small toys, and play in a contained space. The faux leather sides fold up for easy storage, and the two color options are made to blend seamlessly into your home decor.

• Pros: Easy to store, non-toxic, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Cons: Balls aren't included.
• Material: Faux leather
• Dimensions: 41 x 12.5 inches
• Colorways: 2
• Extras: It's water-resistant for easy clean up.
• Who it's best for: Toddlers who love sensory play.

What Reviewers Say:
"Purchased for 1 and 3 year olds. Easy to get in and out. We have 600 balls and it could hold more than double that."